In the opener, HPU's offense put together a handful of hits against a strong Dallas Christian pitching staff. Makayla Dunn and Makayla Fuentes each recorded hits in the contest, representing key moments of contact for the Jackets. Howard Payne also drew four walks, a sign of patience at the plate despite the tough pitching matchup. While the team couldn't push across a run, those baserunners set the tone for competing at every opportunity.

In the second game, the offensive effort picked up as the Yellow Jackets rallied in the sixth inning. Colbi Goodwin had an impactful day, scoring twice and showing hustle on the bases, including a stolen base that energized the lineup. Ashley Blaylock added a run with an RBI single, and Alyssa Orozco delivered a multi-RBI performance, driving in runs and contributing to the team's five-run frame. Howard Payne's offense didn't quit, finishing with six total runs and multiple hitters reaching base and driving in runs.

Goodwin's performance stood out with two runs scored and aggression on the basepaths, while Orozco's clutch hitting helped spark the rally in game two. Brianna Warriner and Jacqueline Peralta also reached base and added offensive momentum in key moments as Howard Payne worked to keep pressure on Dallas Christian's defense.

On the mound, the pitching staff battled through tough lineups. Destiny Sanchez worked into the second game and allowed just one earned run in her outing, giving the Jackets a quality effort against a potent DCC lineup.

"We're going to measure ourselves by growth, not just the scoreboard," said head coach Bianca Gonzales. "There were some really competitive at-bats and moments where we strung quality swings together. That sixth inning in the second game showed what we're capable of when we stay disciplined and aggressive. We'll keep building on that."

Although both outcomes leaned in Dallas Christian's favor, the Yellow Jackets displayed fight in each at-bat and kept battling through every inning. The approach to competing and finding positives from dynamic individual efforts gives HPU momentum as it prepares for its next outing.

The Lady Jackets will hit the road for their next outing against Trinity Universtiy on Saturday, March 7th in San Antonio, TX.